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The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971 – 2018)

The Old Grey Whistle Test

^{(1971 – 2018)}

Not Rated

45m

September 21st, 1971

8.1/10

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The Old Grey Whistle Test

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Synopsis

The Old Grey Whistle Test is an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys—doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.

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Cast

Bob Harris
Self - Presenter
Anne Nightingale
Self - Presenter
David Hepworth
Self - Presenter
Mark Ellen
Self - Presenter
Andy Kershaw
Self - Presenter
Richard Skinner
Self - Reporter
Richard Williams
Self - Presenter
Ro Newton
Self - Presenter
Andrew Bailey
Self
Ian Whitcomb
Self - Presenter
Full cast & crew

Directors

Tom Corcoran
(291 episodes, 1974-1987)
Colin Strong
(128 episodes, 1971-1974)
John Burrowes
(43 episodes, 1977-1981)
Full cast & crew

Producers

Michael Appleton
producer / series editor / television presentation / executive producer / producer: London (531 episodes, 1971-1987)
Trevor Dann
producer
(78 episodes, 1984-1987)
John Burrowes
producer / executive producer (77 episodes, 1984-1987)
Full cast & crew

Keywords

five word title
color in title
1970s
All Keywords

Country of Origin

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Languages

English

Release Dates

September 21st, 1971 (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Alternative Titles

The Old Grey Whistle Test (original title)
The Old Grey Whistle Test (Japan) (Japanese title)
The Old Grey Whistle Test (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
All Alternative Titles

Locations

London, England, UK

Running Times

45 min

Sound Mixes

Mono

Aspect Ratios

1.33 : 1

Production Companies

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (Albania)
BBC (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Distribution Companies

Video Film Express (Netherlands)
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) (1971-1987) (original airing)
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) (1971-1987) (original airing)
All Distribution Companies

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